This article is part of my Ramadan 2019 compilation.
Special thanks to Lexis Suites Penang for extending this food review invitation.
For the upcoming Ramadan season, Lexis Suites Penang is serving iftar meals that revolves around classic Malay dishes and Middle Eastern cuisine. The buffet is aptly named “Ramadhan Bazaar”. While the actual dinners will be held at the Hibiscus Grand Ballroom, today’s preview takes place in Roselle Coffee House.
Kambing Golek is obviously one of the highlights this evening. The goat is marinated for several hours such that the mutton is seasoned thoroughly. Once roasted, the whole goat is elegantly decorated and presented over a large pan of Briyani Rice.
To give Middle Eastern dishes a stamp of authenticity, Lexis Suites Penang has specially hired two chefs (Saudi Arabia and Yemen respectively) to prepare the Arabic delicacies. Among the signature dishes are Chicken Mandi (مندي بالدجاج), Lamb Kabsa (لامب كبسة), Chicken Shawarma (شاورما دجاج), Lamb Shawarma (شاورما لامب), Shish Tawouk (شيش طاووق) and Chicken Kebab (كباب دجاج).
Ekor Bakar Beratur Panjang is probably my favorite dish this evening. The oxtail is marinated for several hours, resulting in sweet and savory flavors that gratify my palate. There are a handful of condiments to go with the oxtail; the chef personally recommends barbecue sauce.
Chicken Tandoori is a delicacy from the Punjab region of India. It is traditionally roasted in a tandoor oven. Marinated with flavorful spices from the subcontinent, the chicken attains its distinctive red color. Chicken Tandoori is often paired with cucumber raita, a yogurt-based dipping sauce.
Bubur Lambuk is an essential dish for iftar meals. In the Malay kampung, rice porridge is typically prepared in large pots to be distributed to the community. The congee comes with a variety of condiments like chili flakes, spring onions and fried shallots.
The buffet dinner includes several live action stalls where à la minute dishes are prepared. Today, Lexis Suites Penang presents one of its signature dishes: Mee Udang. The prawns used are surprisingly large! To ensure freshness, the hotel takes delivery of live prawns every morning.
Gulai Anak Udang Galah is prominently presented in an enormous wok called “kawah”. Indeed, many kampung dishes are often cooked in large quantities to be served in a communal setting. Today’s delicacy uses Australian yabbies. The featured ingredient will be rotated on a daily basis.
The buffet spread includes over a dozen Malay-style hot dishes. Notable ones are Ketam Masak Cili, Daging Rendang, Gulai Ayam Lemak and Sotong Kicap Pedas just to name a few.
Moving on to the salad counter, there are several types of kerabu (Malay salad) to tantalize the taste buds in different ways. Shown here are Kerabu Pucuk Paku, Kerabu Soo Hoon, Kerabu Daging Salai, Kerabu Ayam and Kerabu Sotong.
Popular dishes from Umi Japanese Restaurant are also included in the buffet spread. The platter of Sashimi (刺身) contains fresh slices of salmon, tuna and octopus. Other crowd favorites are Sushi (寿司), Tempura (天麩羅), Oden (おでん) and Negi Stew (ねぎ汁).
Proceeding to the pastry section, diners are spoiled with sweet confections like Red Velvet Cake, Fruitcake, Chocolate Moist Cake, Strawberry Mousse Log, Fruit Jelly and more. The actual Ramadan buffet will also feature more Malay kuih and cookies.
The walk-in price for Lexis Suites Penang’s Ramadhan Buffet Dinner is RM98.00 net for adults, and RM68.00 net for children and senior citizens. A lucky draw is held every evening. There is also a grand prize at the end of Ramadan. Early bird vouchers are available for purchase for RM60.00 net from now till 5 May 2019. As part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility, Lexis Suites Penang will donate RM2.00 to selected orphanages for every voucher sold.
Name: Lexis Suites Penang
Address: 28, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-628-2888
Business hours: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Website: https://www.lexissuitespenang.com
Coordinates: 5.28698 N, 100.23265 E
Directions: From Bayan Lepas, drive along Jalan Teluk Kumbar towards the intersection with Jalan Gertak Sanggul. Lexis Suites Penang is the tall building on the left just before the intersection. As the only building more than 3 floors in Teluk Kumbar, it is impossible to overlook this hotel. There are parking spaces inside the hotel.
